asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that on the occasion of the pig market in Kanturk on 4th instant, and of the cattle fair in Newmarket on 8th instant, serious inconvenience was caused to farmers because wagons were not available at the respective railway stations for several hours after sellers wished to load their animals for transport; and if so, if he will instruct Córas Iompair Éireann to provide the necessary wagons, in proper time, on such occasions, so that farmers and their workers, who are obliged to be in attendance on their live stock, on market mornings, as early as 4 a.m., will not be compelled to stand by at the railway stations, very often in inclement weather, waiting for railway wagons to arrive.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rail Transport of Live Stock.
I am advised that the purchase of pigs at Kanturk pig market did not commence until 10 a.m. on the 4th November and that wagons were ready for loading at mid-day. There were insufficient wagons in the southern district to provide for the Newmarket cattle fair held on the 9th November. Arrangements were made to send wagons by special train from Dublin. This train left at 8.55 p.m. on the previous evening but did not reach Mallow till 4.55 p.m. on the fair day owing to inferior fuel. When Cork was notified that this train would be late, steps were taken immediately to clear and disinfect the wagons coming in during the night from other fairs. These wagons were despatched by special train which reached Newmarket at 5.30 p.m. The company could not have avoided the inconvenience caused by the breakdown. They were required to supply wagons for 115 fairs during the week in question.
Is the Minister aware that on Monday last the same thing happened as on the occasion of the previous market in Kanturk and farmers and workers were obliged to stand with their pigs in the cold and rain for three hours? The wagons then arrived and when they were being shunted young horses were jumping around, afraid of the trains. The whole thing is uncalled for. Could anything be done to remedy that state of affairs?
The railway company have an inadequate supply of wagons and there is no means at present of providing an adequate supply. They have also to work on inferior fuel, which makes operations difficult. It is inevitable that inconveniences will arise from time to time until the difficulties caused by the emergency have disappeared.
Will the Minister endeavour to improve conditions?
The company are doing everything possible in that direction.
In view of the inconvenience caused by not having an adequate supply of wagons, is the Minister aware that some leading buyers who used to attend fairs in these towns on other occasions have now declined to attend the fairs?
I do not think so.